What does the term "HERS index" stand for, and what is its significance?

The term "HERS index" stands for Home Energy Rating System index, and it plays a significant role in quantifying a home's energy efficiency. This index provides a numerical score that represents a home's energy performance, allowing homeowners, buyers, and builders to make informed decisions about energy use and efficiency improvements.

The HERS index is a valuable tool in the energy efficiency industry because it benchmarks a home's energy performance against a reference home built to the standards of the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code. A lower score indicates a more energy-efficient home, meaning it uses less energy for heating and cooling compared to the baseline. This information is essential for homeowners looking to reduce energy bills, participate in incentive programs, or understand the environmental impact of their living spaces.

The other options do not accurately represent the meaning or function of the HERS index. For instance, while option B mentions a score related to energy usage, it incorrectly names the index as "Home Energy Resource Score," which is not the correct term. Similarly, options C and D misrepresent the function and definition of the HERS index by focusing on incorrect aspects like building design ratings or construction cost implications.